I made a quick trip to Fernhill Wetlands and Jackson Bottom to look for shorebirds. My first bird of the morning was this Killdeer standing on the sidewalk. I guess that counts.
There is a frustrating lack of mudflats in area wetlands this year. Areas are either dry with lots of vegetation or are full of water. I did manage to find this Wilson’s Snipe (front) feeding with a juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher.
Young Spotted Sandpiper on a log
Lots of American White Pelicans are in the Willamette Valley right now.
The wetland rehabilitation at Fernhill Wetlands has resulted in much less exposed mud, but the thick emergent vegetation is hog heaven to rails, like this Virginia Rail.
In the “invasive but adorable” category are this Nutria with her baby.
Brush Rabbits rule the “native AND adorable” category.
So cute
These two Black-tailed Deer were at Jackson Bottom. I found it interesting that the little spike buck in front still had his antlers completely encased in velvet while the fork buck in back has already shed his velvet to reveal polished antler.
There is still about a month of shorebird migration left. I hope we get some good mudflats to bring them in. Happy Summer.
Ethical Birder 